"After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of Norther Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources.
I need not tell the brave survivors of some many hard fought battles who have remained steadfast to the last that I have consented to this result from no distrust of them. But feeling that valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate for the loss that must have attended the continuance of the contest, I determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose past services have endeared them to their countrymen. By the terms of the agreement, officers and men can return to their homes and remain until exchanged. You will take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from a consciousness of duty faithfully performed; and I earnestly pray that a Merciful God will extend to you His blessings and protection. With an unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your Country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration for myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell." R.E. Lee Genl. (Robert E. Lee's farewell address, April 9th, 1865) |
"After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of Norther Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources.
I need not tell the brave survivors of some many hard fought battles who have remained steadfast to the last that I have consented to this result from no distrust of them. But feeling that valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate for the loss that must have attended the continuance of the contest, I determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose past services have endeared them to their countrymen. By the terms of the agreement, officers and men can return to their homes and remain until exchanged. You will take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from a consciousness of duty faithfully performed; and I earnestly pray that a Merciful God will extend to you His blessings and protection. With an unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your Country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration for myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell." R.E. Lee Genl. (Robert E. Lee's farewell address, April 9th, 1865) |
"It would appear that General Hooker has placed his hindquarters where his headquarters should be." (So said by Lee when he learned that General Hooker, the new Union Commander, had written, in a letter to his soldiers, that "My headquarters will be 'in the saddle.'" |
A true man of honor feels humbled himself when he cannot help humbling others. |
At present, I am not concerned with results. God's will ought to be our aim, and I am quite contented that His designs should be accomplished and not mine. |
Duty is the most sublime word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never wish to do less. |
Duty is the most sublime word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never wish to do less. |
Duty is the sublimest word in our language. |
Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned away, to leave without regret. |
He loves his sailors, he loves his Navy, no bones about that, ... He never expects anything in return. That's what I love about him. |
I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself. |
I have been up to see the Congress and they do not seem to be able to do anything except to eat peanuts and chew tobacco, while my army is starving. |
I have fought against the people of the North because I believed they were seeking to wrest from the South its dearest rights. But I have never cherished toward them bitter or vindictive feelings, and have never seen the day when I did not pray for them. |
I like whiskey. I always did, and that is why I never drink it. |
I think it better to do right, even if we suffer in so doing, than to incur the reproach of our consciences and posterity. |